In Nigeria, the deployment of mobile broadband is hailed as a potent weapon against extreme poverty, with a reported reduction of 1.5 per cent, as per findings from the Global System for Mobile Telecommunications Association (GSMA).
The impact is underscored by GSMA 2023 Mobile Industry Impact Report, a document sighted by The Guardian, which emphasizes the transformative power of mobile technology in economic development.
Highlighting the strides made over the last five years, GSMA reveals that the economic value generated by mobile technologies and services has surged by $500 billion, reaching an impressive $5.2 trillion in 2022. The report underscores the pivotal role of mobile broadband in uplifting communities, citing examples where two million individuals were lifted out of extreme poverty in Nigeria alone between 2010 and 2016.
Despite challenges, such as coverage gaps and financial barriers, Nigeria boasts over 320 million connected telephone lines, of which 223 million are active, with broadband penetration reaching 41.8 per cent, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as of November 2023.
This translates to approximately 91 million Nigerians enjoying the benefits of mobile broadband services.
GSMA urges continued commitment from the mobile technology sector to support the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The association points out that mobile technology has significantly contributed to global employment, with around two million new jobs created in the industry over the past five years, totaling 28 million jobs in 2022.
Moreover, the mobile industry’s positive environmental impact cannot be overstated, with a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions attributed to mobile technologies. GSMA reports a reduction of approximately 2,135 million tonnes of CO2 in 2018, which is ten times greater than the industry’s own carbon footprint.
While progress has been made, GSMA acknowledges the evolving global landscape, marked by challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, climate-related disasters, and economic instability, which threaten to impede efforts towards the SDGs.
Despite these hurdles, the association remains optimistic but emphasizes the need for continued collaboration across public and private sectors to accelerate progress.
Looking ahead, GSMA stresses the importance of addressing coverage gaps and usage disparities, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, to ensure equitable access to mobile broadband services.
The association highlights the role of mobile phones in reducing financial exclusion, citing a significant increase in registered mobile money accounts, which empower households to manage finances effectively and alleviate poverty.
In essence, mobile broadband emerges not just as a technological advancement but as a powerful tool for social and economic empowerment, with the potential to drive sustainable development and lift millions out of poverty in Nigeria and beyond.
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